Mahesh Babu has spent years waiting for a project that can take him to the global stage. With SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi, that dream could finally become a reality. But the bigger challenge may begin after this film.
The problem is finding a director who can match the expectations Varanasi creates.
Most of Tollywood’s top directors are already busy with major projects. After Spirit, Sandeep Reddy Vanga is expected to move on to Animal Park. Lokesh Kanagaraj is working on AA23 with Allu Arjun. Sukumar is occupied with RC17, Trivikram is working on God of War with NTR, and Prashanth Neel is expected to move forward with Salaar 2.
Koratala Siva, Anil Ravipudi, Vamshi Paidipally, Sujeeth and Boyapati Srinu would remain options for Mahesh. Hanu Raghavapudi could also enter the race if Fauzi succeeds. However, none of them currently commands the same pan-India craze as Rajamouli, Sukumar, Vanga, Lokesh or Neel.
After Varanasi, expectations could be enormous. Audiences will want another film that feels like a massive event film, not just a routine Telugu big-budget entertainer.
At the same time, trying to find another Rajamouli level project could lead to unnecessary delays. Mahesh needs a director with a strong script, a clear vision and the ability to present him in a way that appeals to audiences across India.
The wrong follow-up could waste the momentum created by Varanasi. The right one could establish Mahesh as a consistent pan-India star rather than someone who depends on a single Rajamouli film.
Meanwhile, speculation has started about a possible second collaboration between Mahesh and Rajamouli. If Varanasi succeeds on the scale its makers hope for, another collaboration could generate enormous curiosity. However, both sides would need a story that justifies reuniting.
For now, Mahesh’s next director remains an open question. A second Rajamouli film would be exciting, but until either side confirms it, the reunion talk remains speculation.
